Rimandare vs. rinviare
The Italian verbs 'rimandare' and 'rinviare' both mean 'to postpone' or 'to put off', but they have subtle differences in usage and connotation.
Rimandare
'Rimandare' generally implies postponing something to a later, often unspecified time. It can also mean to send back or return something.
Ho rimandato la decisione a domani.
(I postponed the decision until tomorrow.)
Devo rimandare la mia partenza.
(I have to postpone my departure.)
Ha rimandato il libro alla biblioteca.
(He returned the book to the library.)
Rinviare
'Rinviare' often suggests a more formal or official postponement, typically with a new specific date or time set. It's commonly used in legal or administrative contexts.
Il processo è stato rinviato al mese prossimo.
(The trial has been postponed to next month.)
La riunione è stata rinviata a data da destinarsi.
(The meeting has been postponed to a date to be determined.)
L'esame è stato rinviato di due settimane.
(The exam has been postponed by two weeks.)
Summary
While both 'rimandare' and 'rinviare' mean to postpone, 'rimandare' is more general and can also mean to send back, whereas 'rinviare' is often used in more formal contexts and implies rescheduling to a specific time. 'Rimandare' is more common in everyday speech, while 'rinviare' is frequently used in official or legal situations.